Published on 30 July 2024 | by Pierre-Alexandre

Plateau de Vérossaz and Grotte aux fées

I propose an enchanting natural getaway to the Plateau de Vérossaz and the Grotte aux Fées. Nestling in the heart of the Chablais region, the Plateau de Vérossaz offers breathtaking views over the Rhône Valley. This loop hike is accessible to all and presents no difficulties.

At the end of the route, just before returning to St-Maurice station, don’t miss the fascinating Grotte aux Fées, a natural cave steeped in mystery and local legend. Inside, you can admire the amazing rock formations and feel the magical atmosphere.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a legend buff or simply looking for some peace and quiet, this walk on the Plateau de Vérossaz promises an unforgettable experience, combining natural beauty and mystery.

Difficulty: Easy
Altitude: 767 m for Bassex hamlet
Total Time: 2 hours 10 min
Elevation Gain: 560 meters
Round-trip: 7.20 km
Map: Carte nationale 1304 Val d’Illiez

Getting There

Get to St-Maurice SBB station, which is the starting point for this route. Hikers arriving by car can park in the St-Maurice station car park a few metres south of the station.

GPS Coordinates (WGS 84) of the Starting Point: 46.216665, 7.002558

Route

From St Maurice station, follow signs for ‘Les Cases – 30 min’ on the left. The route passes under the railway line and skirts it on the left. After walking along the road for several minutes, turn right towards ‘Les Cases’ and ‘Vérossaz’ when you come to an intersection with the road coming from the left over the railway.

Further on, you reach the village of Les Cases. From here, turn right to follow the signs for ‘Vérossaz’. Then take the path to the right (do not cross the bridge over the river), which winds steeply through the forest. This path is also signposted with the blue ‘Itinéraire n° 2 – Plateau de Vérossaz’ sign, which you’ll see throughout the route.

The path then climbs steadily via longer switchbacks through the forest, providing welcome shade on hot summer days. The path also offers a number of views of the Rhône valley. After a long stretch through the forest, you come to a fountain with a bench and a cross, as well as a pretty meadow. A few minutes later, you reach the hamlet of Bassex. At the signpost, fork right to follow the signs for ‘L’itinéraire n° 2 – Plateau de Vérossaz’ and the ‘Grotte aux fées – 40 min’.

The road then descends through the hamlet. A little further on, turn right to follow ‘Grotte aux fées – St Maurice’, skirting the farm shed on the left. The road descends through the mountain pastures of the Verossaz plateau. When you come to another sign, continue to follow route no. 2 and do the same at the next crossroads.

Further on, the road joins a path leading down into the forest. At a crossroads, turn right towards itinerary no. 2, then further on turn left towards ‘Grotte aux fées’ and ‘St Maurice’.

The path winds down a series of short switchbacks to reach the Grotte aux Fées. Admission to the Grotte aux Fées costs CHF 10 per person and dogs are permitted. Finally, follow the signs for St Maurice to return to the station. The path leads past the Tour Dufour (a former military fortification) and a castle (which can be visited) before reaching the cantonal road leading back to the station.